This guide answers some of the most common questions regarding Android developer verification.
General
- What happens if I don't comply? If you do not verify your identity and register your apps by the September deadline, your apps will be blocked from being installed by users on certified Android devices in applicable regions. Last updated: Sept 3, 2025
- I'm a hobbyist/student. What is "limited distribution"? We understand that not everyone is a professional developer. We are introducing a free developer account type that will allow teachers, students, and hobbyists to distribute apps to 20 devices without needing to provide a government ID. Learn more about limited distribution accounts. Last updated: March 25, 2026
- Will Android Debug Bridge (ADB) install work without registration? As a developer, you are free to install apps without verification with ADB. This is designed to support developers' need to develop, test apps that are not intended or not yet ready to distribute to the wider consumer population. Last updated: Sept 3, 2025
- Do enterprise apps need to complete the verification requirements? Apps distributed through your organization store, on managed devices, won't need to complete the verification requirements since your IT admin has vetted them. However, we recommend to still register and claim these apps since this creates a smooth installation, if the app is downloaded from another source (not the managed store) or to a non-managed device. Last updated: Sept 3, 2025
- If I want to modify or hack some apk and install it on my own device, do I have to verify? Apps installed using ADB won't require verification. This will verify developers can build and test apps that aren't intended or not yet ready to distribute to the wider consumer population. Last updated: Sept 11, 2025
- How does this program impact developers in sanctioned countries? Devices in sanctioned countries will be excluded from ADV checks. This allows any developer to continue distributing apps in these regions without verification, though users there will not benefit from the enhanced security benefits of the program. Last updated: March 25, 2026
- What Android versions will the developer verification requirements be enforced on? It will apply to all certified Android devices running Android 7 or higher. These updates are delivered through Google Play services to help maintain consistent security across the ecosystem. Last updated: March 23, 2026
Identity and accounts
- What is a D-U-N-S number and how do I get one? A D-U-N-S number is a unique nine-digit identifier for businesses provided by Dun & Bradstreet. It is required if you are registering as an organization. If your organization does not have one, you can get one for free from the Dun & Bradstreet website. The process can take up to 28 days so you should make preparations to obtain a D-U-N-S number. Last updated: Sept 3, 2025
- How is my personal information handled? We use your personal information to verify your identity, and it is handled in accordance with Google's Privacy Policy. We are committed to protecting your data. Last updated: Sept 3, 2025
- Why is there a $25 fee for the ADC? How can I pay? The $25 fee for the Full Distribution account in the ADC helps cover administrative costs and investment in protecting the ecosystem, similar to Play's $25 registration fee. We are actively working to support multiple forms of payment to accommodate developers globally and will have more details when the console launches. We are waiving the fee for developers who qualify for a Limited Distribution account. Last update: March 25, 2026
Package name registration and signing keys
- I distribute my apps through Play and other channels : To simplify the process, developers with a Play Console account can use it as the single place to manage all their verification requirements, including for their apps distributed outside of Play. Last updated: Sept 3, 2025
- I use Play App Signing, are my apps claimed automatically? Yes. If you use Play App Signing, we have the necessary information to securely identify your ownership. Your eligible apps will be part of the automatic registration process. Last updated: Sept 3, 2025
- Can I recover a lost signing key? We strongly recommend all developers use a secure key management solution. If you lose your signing key you won't be able to register your packages. Last updated: March 23, 2026
- Can my app use multiple signing keys? The Android Developer Console lets you add and verify multiple signing keys for a single package. Last updated: March 23, 2026
- Can I register without an eligible key? In cases where a package name is already in use, you may be informed that your key is not eligible to claim it outright. You should consider using a different package name. If this is not possible, you can request to register the package name, but this will require an additional review, and that package name may also be used by other developers. Last updated: March 19, 2026
Advanced flow
- Can users still sideload apps from unverified developers? Yes. Android is introducing an advanced flow for power users who want to take educated risks to install apps from unverified developers. It's a one-time setup for users to install apps from unverified developers after acknowledging the risks. It's designed to protect user choice while adding in safeguards to protect users from being tricked or coerced into disabling security protections. Preview it in our video or blog post. Last updated: March 23, 2026
How does the advanced flow work for users?
Enable developer mode in system settings: Activating this is simple. This prevents accidental triggers or "one-tap" bypasses often used in high-pressure scams.
Confirm you aren't being coached: There is a quick check to make sure that no one is talking you into turning off your security. While power users know how to vet apps, scammers often pressure victims into disabling protections.
Restart your phone and reauthenticate: This cuts off any remote access or active phone calls a scammer might be using to watch what you're doing.
Come back after the protective waiting period and verify: There is a one-time, one-day wait and then you can confirm that this is really you who's making this change with our biometric authentication (fingerprint or face unlock) or device PIN. Scammers rely on manufactured urgency, so this breaks their spell and gives you time to think.
Install apps: Once you confirm you understand the risks, you're all set to install apps from unverified developers, with the option of enabling for 7 days or indefinitely. For safety, you'll still see a warning that the app is from an unverified developer, but you can just tap "Install Anyway." Last updated: March 23, 2026
Are ADB installs impacted by the 24-hour waiting period for advanced flow? No, there are no changes to how ADB works. You will be able to install applications using ADB as usual. The waiting period does not apply to ADB installs. Last updated: March 23, 2026
Do I need to keep Developer Mode on to keep this verification turned off? Some apps (e.g. banking, etc.) won't let me use it if I have Developer Mode on. No, you don't have to keep developer options enabled after you enable the advanced flow. Once you make the change on your device, it's enabled. Last updated: March 23, 2026
If I enable the advanced flow on my current Android device, do I have to enable it again on my new device? No, it will be carried through your new device. You won’t have to complete this flow every time you get a new device. Last updated: March 25, 2026
Is there an ADB command to bypass the 24-hour waiting period? This option is not supported at this point. We will consider this for future versions. Last updated: March 25, 2026
Can I update unregistered apps if I disable the advanced flow? Unregistered apps can only be installed or updated when the advanced flow is enabled or by using ADB so if the advanced flow is disabled updates to unregistered apps will fail. Last updated: March 25, 2026
Can I update existing unregistered apps on my device without the use of the advanced flow and/or ADB? No. Unregistered apps can only be installed or updated when the advanced flow is enabled or by using ADB so if the advanced flow is disabled updates to unregistered apps will fail. Last updated March 25, 2026
For apps that are being developed under NDA, won’t going through Android developer verification and registering package names violate the NDA? No. Verification is narrowly focused on the developer's identity to establish accountability. Android Developer Verification does not collect information about the app content or functionality so no confidential app content or purpose needs to be shared. Last updated: March 25, 2026
I need additional support
Where can I get help or provide feedback? Your feedback is crucial for helping us improve this process. Reach out with any questions here. For additional information on these requirements, visit the Android Developer Console Help Center and the Play Console Help Center.